Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Plant Biosecurity equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage risks associated with plant pests and diseases. Through practical coursework and specified electives, the program emphasizes biosecurity measures, pest management, emergency response, and trade implications. Graduates are prepared for careers in biosecurity, quarantine, pest management, and agriculture.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Graduate Certificate in Plant Biosecurity is a program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the risks associated with plant pests and diseases. The program emphasizes the importance of plant biosecurity in safeguarding food crops, the natural environment, and international trade.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of plant biosecurity measures, including risk analysis, quarantine, and surveillance.
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage plant pests and diseases, both locally and internationally.
- Develop students' expertise in rapid emergency response to incursions of plant pests and diseases.
- Foster students' understanding of how to manage pest organisms that become established in new regions and impact trade.
Program Description:
The Graduate Certificate in Plant Biosecurity is a highly relevant program, given the increasing global movement of people and goods, which elevates the risk of spreading plant pests and diseases. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for professionals in the field of biosecurity, particularly in agriculture, the environment, and international and domestic trade.
Outline:
Total Credit Points:
12
Course Core (12 credit points):
- BIO538 Plant Biosecurity in Practice (3 credit points): This unit provides practical insights into plant biosecurity practices.
- BIO601 Biosecurity Plant Pests (3 credit points): This unit delves into the identification, biology, and management of plant pests.
Specified Elective Units (Choose two of the following - 6 credit points):
- BIO537 Plant Biosecurity: Detection and Diagnostics (3 credit points): This unit focuses on the latest technologies and methods for detecting and diagnosing plant pests and diseases.
- VET657 Risk Analysis from Farm to Fork (3 credit points): This unit explores risk analysis in the food supply chain, from farm to consumer.
- COD601 Community Development Methods (3 credit points): This unit examines community engagement strategies for biosecurity initiatives.
Careers:
Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate in Plant Biosecurity, graduates are well-prepared for careers in:
- Biosecurity: Biosecurity Inspector, Compliance Officer
- Quarantine: Quarantine Officer
- Pest Management: Pest Management Technician
- Agriculture: Greenhouse Technician
Other:
The program has been developed in consultation with government representatives from Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia, ensuring that the curriculum meets the highest industry standards.
Professional Recognition:
Graduates are eligible to apply for membership in professional societies such as:
- Australian Entomological Society
- Australian Plant Pathology Society
- Australian Ecological Society
- Australian Institute of Agricultural Science
- Australian Society of Horticultural Sciences
- Australian Society for Risk Analysis
Murdoch University
Overview:
Murdoch University is a public university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is known for its focus on practical learning, research, and engagement with the community. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
Murdoch University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
The university offers a variety of academic support services, such as tutoring, workshops, and online resources.Career Services:
The Careers and Employability team assists students with career planning, job searching, and internship opportunities.Student Support:
The university provides support services for students with disabilities, mental health concerns, and other personal challenges.Library:
The Murdoch University Library offers a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.Health and Wellbeing:
The university has a range of health and wellbeing services, including a chiropractic clinic, counselling services, and a psychology clinic.Sport and Recreation:
Murdoch University offers a variety of sporting and recreational activities, including fitness classes, team sports, and outdoor recreation.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Murdoch University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:
A beautiful and spacious campus:
The university's campus is located in a picturesque setting, with plenty of green spaces and modern facilities.A strong sense of community:
The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of student clubs and societies.Opportunities for engagement:
Murdoch University encourages students to get involved in research, community service, and other extracurricular activities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Flexible study options:
Murdoch University offers a variety of flexible study options, including online learning, part-time study, and blended learning.Personalised courses:
The university offers a range of personalised courses that cater to individual student needs and interests.Career Learning Spine:
Murdoch University's Career Learning Spine helps students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.World-class facilities:
The university has a range of world-class facilities, including a veterinary hospital, a media arts centre, and a state-of-the-art engineering lab.Academic Programs:
Murdoch University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate programs:
The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs in areas such as business, law, science, engineering, and the arts.Postgraduate programs:
Murdoch University offers a range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and other research degrees.Research:
The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on areas such as food security, health futures, and sustainable development.Other:
Entry Requirements:
- Higher Education: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
- Enabling courses (after Year 12): Successful completion of one of the following:
- OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
- Enabling courses (in Year 12): Successful completion of one of the following:
- Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
- TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
- Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
- A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
- Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
- English ATAR
- Literature ATAR
- English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
- Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses: Successful completion of one of the following:
- Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
- MUPC (1 Trimester)
- Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
- Certificate IV AQF level 4: Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
- Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR
- STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).
- Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT): Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
- Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Portfolio entry: A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area.
- Mature Age Pathway (MAP): MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course.
- Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
- Case-by-case assessment.
- GCE A Levels: Aggregate of 6 points from:
- A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
- A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects. At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation. AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included.
- A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)
- AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)
- A Levels: D in one of the following:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Knowledge and Inquiry.
- AS Level: C in one of the following:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Knowledge and Inquiry.
- Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP): CPS 54 or higher.
- 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
- VET course studied at school: Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
- Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
- English ATAR
- Literature ATAR
- English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR
- or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: Total score of 24 or higher.
- Higher level (HL): 3 or better.
- Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.
- Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE): Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
- Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
- English
- English Extension (Literature)
- English for ESL Learners.
- Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC): 70
- Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
- English ATAR
- Literature ATAR
- English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR
- Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
- Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
- Other Requirements: Internet access is required for all students. All material will be flexibly delivered using the latest online technology.
- Advanced Standing: Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units. Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- For domestic students: Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level.
- For international students: You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.